Would it surprise you to find out astronauts feel back pain even in outer space?
One would assume that the astronauts have it easier as they don’t have to worry about the thing here on earth, gravity. Microgravity, also known as zero gravity, might seem like it relieves the strain on the back. But the opposite is true, in microgravity, astronauts often experience low back pain even in outer space, as they adapt to the lack of gravitational pull.
Research on how space affects the spine not only helps us understand the long-term risk to astronauts but also why movement is important for us earthlings. So, what do we know?
1. Movement is important
Lessons for life in space
On Earth, gravity pulls us down, forcing our muscles and bones to work together to support our bodies. In space, the lack of gravitational pull causes elongation in the spine, often lengthening up to two inches. This lengthening can lead to deconditioning, weakening the muscles that stabilise the spine. This leaves the astronaut vulnerable to back pain both during their time in space and upon returning to Earth. Studies have shown that 70% of astronauts report back pain during their first days in space. Spinal health is a key focus in astronaut rehab programs.
Lessons for life on Earth
One of the key takeaways is the critical role of movement and exercise in maintaining spinal health. On earth, much like in space, when we spend prolonged periods in sitting, lying down or having a sedentary lifestyle, our muscles can decondition. This leaves us weaker and more prone to back pain.
2. Muscles are important
Lessons for life in space
When astronauts float in zero gravity, they are not using the muscles as they would on Earth during activities like running, walking and standing. Their heart also doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood throughout their bodies. Muscles start to weaken from the lack of use and since the heart is also a muscle, the heart starts to weaken as well.
To help ensure astronauts stay healthy for the extended period of microgravity, they do around two and a half hours of exercise a day to help keep the muscles going. Astronauts will need to strap themselves to an exercise bike, treadmill or special weightlifting machine to help get the workout in. Imagine trying to exercise while floating around!
Lessons for life on Earth
Astronauts are highly trained individuals with exceptional fitness levels, yet they remain predisposed to back pain in space due to the muscles de-conditioning in microgravity. To mitigate this, they built exercise equipment in the space shuttle to allow them to exercise daily. This also holds true to us earthlings; we need to use our muscles to prevent them from de-conditioning and minimise the risk of back pain.
Tailored exercise programs for individuals experiencing back pain can be highly effective in reducing pain. Keeping yourself strong and active can counteract the negative impacts of a sedentary lifestyle. Much like how the astronauts work to counteract microgravity!
Are you experiencing back pain and looking to start exercises that can build strength, reduce pain and return you to doing things that you enjoy, but unsure where to begin? Come into Active Solutions Physiotherapy and we will guide you with a personalised plan to help return you to exercise and manage your back pain effectively.
